Effect of Crop Row Spacing on Erosion and Infiltration1

Abstract

AbstractSimulated rain tests were applied during four cropstage periods to corn (Zea mays L.) row spacings of 51, 76, and 102 cm and to soybean (Glycine max (L). Merr.) row spacings of 18, 51, and 102 cm. Infiltration and soil loss were measured 2 to 3 weeks, 4 to 5 weeks, and 7 to 8 weeks after planting and after harvest. Corn row spacing had little effect on ground cover or erosion during the first 5 weeks after planting. At 7 to 8 weeks, ground cover was increased slightly and erosion was reduced 24% by the narrow row (51‐cm) spacings. Narrow row spacings (18 and 51 cm) for soybeans significantly increased ground cover as early as 3 to 4 weeks after planting. Major changes in infiltration and erosion resulting from narrow row soybeans, however, were largely restricted to the last half of the growing season. During this period, infiltration was 24% greater and soil loss 35% less from narrow rows (51‐cm) than from wide rows (102‐cm). From the erosion control standpoint, the use of narrow rows for soybeans would appear to be more beneficial than narrow row corn because of the comparatively greater soil‐loss reductions.